Laundry apparatus

ABSTRACT

A dual zone washing machine of the vertical axis type including a generally cylindrical open-top stationary tub and a generally cylindrical open-top rotatable tub within the stationary tub. A removable tub of lesser size than the rotatable tub is supported in the latter tub upon its rim, and a vertically extending oscillatable agitator includes vane sections for both the rotatable and the removable tubs. Selectively controlled fluid handling means are operable to fill either the removable tub or the rotatable tub alone, or to fill both sequentially.

United States Patent inventor James R. Hubbard Moorestown, NJ. Appl. No.791,074 Filed Jan. 14, 1969 Patented Apr. 13, 1971 Assignee Philco-FordCorporation Philadelphia, Pa.

LAUNDRY APPARATUS 10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 68/4, 68/12, 68/23.5 Int. Cl D06f 23/04, D06f 3 3/02 Field ofSearch 68/4, 13,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,324,688 6/ 1967 Hubbard68/4 3,481,162 12/ l 969 Ziegler 68/4 Primary Examiner-William 1. PriceAlt0rneyCarl H. Synnestvedt ABSTRACT: A dual zone washing machine of thevertical axis type including a generally cylindrical open-top stationarytub and a generally cylindrical open-top rotatable tub within thestationary tub. A removable tub of lesser size than the rotatable tub issupported in the latter tub upon its rim, and a vertically extendingoscillatable agitator includes vane sections for both the rotatable andthe removable tubs. Selectively controlled fluid handling means areoperable to fill either the removable tub or the rotatable tub alone, orto fill both sequentially.

Patented April 13, 1971 3,575,020

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Y UN UNK F/LL Jr AG/I'Aff Fl; 1. & AGITA 7'5 BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION This invention relates to laundry apparatus, andespecially to improvements in washing machines of the vertical axistype.

There has been a trend toward laundry apparatus of increased wash loadcapacities, but such increased capacities frequently have been oflimited advantage to the users of such apparatus. For example, in alarge clothes load there may be a sufficient variety of fabrics torequire sorting into less than full loads, in order to insure conditionsof water temperature, mechanical action, and chemical balance of thewater best suited to washing of a particular clothes load. It will beappreciated, therefore, that the user cannot always take full advantageof a large capacity machine. One approach has been to provide a' tube ofrelatively small size supportable within a larger, perforate, rotatablewash basket surrounded by a stationary tub. While wash liquid filldevices have been provided for arrangements of this type, they have beenvery elaborate to ensure separation of the wash zones. The presentinvention proposes to use, instead of the perforate rotatable basket, animperforate, rotatable tub, and thereby afford a dual-zone machinehaving a simplified liquid fill circuit.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provideimproved liquid fill circuit means in a washing machine capable ofsimultaneously washing groups of assorted clothing in separate washingzones.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a verticalaxis washing machine comprising a pair of nested tubs in combinationwith novel means for both introducing and removing wash liquid from theaforesaid tubs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In achievement of the foregoing and otherobjectives, the

invention contemplates provision-4n a washing machine of the typeincluding a stationary tub, a rotatable tub within said stationary tub,an agitator within said rotatable tub, and a tub of lesser sizesupported within said rotatable tub-of liquidhandling' means forintroducing wash liquids into said rotatable tub and said tub of lessersize. The liquid-handling means comprises a first liquid inlet for therotatable tub including liquid-metering orifice means for directing aportion of such liquid into the stationary tub. A first valve meanscontrols supply of liquid to the first inlet. A second liquid inlet isprovided for the tub of lesser size, and second valve means controls thesupply of liquid to the second inlet. Overflow conduit means is providedfor directing overflow liquid from the tub of lesser size into thestationary tub means. In further and more particular accordance with theinvention, a first liquid-pressure-actuated means is in liquid flowcommunication with the stationary tub for controlling the first valvemeans to establish a predetermined level of liquid in the rotatable tubupon operation of the pressure-actuated means by liquid metered from theorifice means into said stationary tub, and second pressure-actuatedmeans also is disposed in liquid-flow communication with the stationarytub for controlling the second valve means upon further introduction ofliquid into the stationary tub from the overflow conduit means. Thesecond pressure-actuated means is conditioned to initiate such flow inresponse to the recited establishment of a predetermined liquid level inthe rotatable tub.

' The invention further contemplates the combination of a pair ofopen-top clothes-receiving tubs, one removably nested within the other,wherein the outer open-top tub has flange means extending about itsupper rim, inwardly toward the nested tub. Water drain perforationsextend through the rim below the level of the flange means, and thenested tub has water drain perforations extending through its upper rimabove the level of the flange means. Means is provided for deliveringwater to the tubs individually, and for spinning the tubs simultaneouslyto express water through the drain perforations of each tub, the flangemeans then sewing to insure that water expressed from the nested tub isdrained without being permitted to enter the outer of the two tubs.

In effect, the nested tub and liquid fill arrangement contemplated bythe invention affords two washing machines in one, operable eithersimultaneously or individually, and in which a primary wash zone isdefined by the larger, rotatable tub and a secondary wash zone isdefined by the smaller, removable tub.

The manner in which the foregoing as well as other objectives andadvantages of the invention may best be achieved will be understood froma consideration of the following description, taken in light of theaccompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a diagrammatic showing of awashing machine embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a wiring diagram illustrating control circuit elements for thewashing machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a time chart illustrating a sequence of operations afforded byapparatus illustrated in the preceding FIGS.,

FIGS. 4A to 4D are tabulations of selective contact combinations forswitches illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic showing of a selector switch panel by use ofwhich the operator may select a desired washing cycle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With more detailed reference tothe drawings, and first to FIG. I, awashing machine 10 of the verticalaxis type includes a stationary, generally cylindrical, open-top tub 11within which is disposed a rotatable, generally cylindrical, open-toptub-I2. The open top of the rotatable tub isdisposed below the level ofthe open top of the stationary tub. Agitator means 13 is disposed withinthe rotatable tub, and a removable tub 14 of lesser size than therotatable tub 12 is removably supported by a flange 39 thereof upon arim portion 24 of rotatable tub 112. An upper cylindrical portion 13a ofagitator means 13 projects with clearance through an axially extendingtubular portion Ma of tub M. Vane means 18 are releasably keyed, in anyconvenient manner (not shown), on cylindrical portion 13a of agitatormeans I3, and serve as an agitator for moving liquid and clothes in tubM as agitator means 13 is oscillated by mechanism to be more fullydescribed. It will be understood that releasable keying of vane means 18is such as to facilitate its removal in order that tub M also may beremoved.

Under one condition of operation, both tubs 12 and 14, together withagitator means I3, 18 may be rotated at a relatively high rate of speedin order to centrifuge wash fluid from clothes therein. Under anothercondition of operation, tubs 12 and I4 may be held stationary, whileagitator means 13 and Id are oscillated in achievement of either awashing or a rinsing action in either, or both, of tubs l2 and 14. Foreither condition of operation, frictional engagement of flange 39 withrim portion 2d is sufficient to lock the tubs together as againstrelative rotation. It will of course be understood thataprojection-and-slot keying arrangement could be provided between theflange and rim to ensure against such relative rotation. Mechanism forspinning both tubs 12 and 14, together with agitator means 13, 18 or foroscillating the agitator means, while preventing rotation of tubs l2 and14, includes a suitable transmission 15 and drive motor 16 connectedthereto by a pulley and belt assembly 17. A drain pump 21 also is drivenby assembly 17, and is arranged in conventional fluid flow communicationwith a drain hose 22 free at its discharge and and affixed to a tubdrain sump 20 at its other end. Drive and drain pump mechanism of theabovedescribed type is well known in the art, and further, detaileddescription thereof is not necessary for an understanding of the presentinvention.

As is seen further in FIG. l, a row of perforations 23 is provided inthe sidewall of removable tub 14, between of the upper rim of tub 14. Anintumed, continuous flange 25 defines the top opening of tub 14. Asshown in FIG. I, the support ring 24 for tub 14 is of generally U-shapedcross section. The upper leg of ring 24 is in liquid sealing engagementwith flange 39, and extends radially outwardly over the upper rim ofrotatable tub I2. The lower leg of ring 24 is affixed to tub l2 andincludes perforations 27. Also, perforations 26 are provided in theupper wall of rotatable tub l2,just below the lower leg of ring 24.

The walls of both tubs l2 and 14 are flared outwardly toward their opentops so that during the centrifuging phase of wash cycle, wash fluidwill be caused to flow up the walls and outwardly of the tubs, throughperforations 23 and 26, into stationary tub 11 from which it isdischarged by pump 21 through sump and hose 22. The extension of upperleg of ring 24 is such as to ensure delivery of fluid, from perforations23 of removable tub 14, into stationary tub 11 only, while the intumedflange 2S and the lower leg portion of ring 24 are so positioned as toensure outflow of fluid from the tubs only through their correspondingperforations.

In further and more special accordance with the invention, water inletvalves 31 and 32 are provided for tubs I2 and I4, which tubs incombination with their respective agitators define primary and secondarywash zones. Valve 31 includes a hot water solenoid 33 and a cold watersolenoid 34 for proportioning the flow of wash water from respective hotand cold water supplies, for subsequent feeding of water at apredetermined selected temperature through check valve 29, nozzle 30 andperforations 27 in ring 24 into the primary zone, i.e. tub l2. Nozzle 30includes a branch portion 37 provided with an orifice of considerablylesser diameter and arranged to meter a small amount of water intostationary tub II, for reasons to be presented later in thisdescription.

Another inlet valve 32, similar to inlet valve 3i, includes a hot watersolenoid 35 and a cold water solenoid 36. Valve 32 is arranged to feedwater through a check valve 41 and nozzle 42, for directed flow into thesecondary wash zone defined by removable tub 14.

As is shown further in FIG. 1, a water accumulating chamber 43 isconnected to a leg of the generally U-shaped drain hose 22 at a locationupstream of pump 21. Chamber 43 includes a hollow, dome-shaped portion430 positioned to form an air trap for water introduced by nozzle 37into stationary tub 11 and caused to flow into the U-shaped hose andchamber 43. Switches 44 and 45 are connected to domeshaped portion 430by a conduit 46, an are calibrated to operate in response to differentpressures within the portion 43a for reasons to be more fully describedin connection with FIGS. 2, 3 and 4A to 4D, taken with FIG. 1.

Considering now FIGS. 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D together, the importantfeatures of the invention, which make possible utilization of theprimary and secondary wash zones either simultaneously or independentlyof one another in achievement of a wash cycle, will be more fullyappreciated. The separate and distinct wash zones permit separate butsimultaneous washing of noncolorfast fabrics and colorfast fabrics.

With especial reference to the diagrammatic showing in FIG. 2, there isprovided a control circuit comprising a camactuated multiple switchmeans (dotted enclosure 51) including a motor 52 for driving the cams(not shown). This combination commonly is known as a timer, and thereare electrical connections made both internally and externally of thetimer for placing it in electrical circuit with remaining circuit groupsbriefly to be described. These groups comprise, preferably, a zoneselector switch 53, a primary zone wash fluid or water temperatureselector switch 54, and a secondary zone water temperature selectorswitch 55. There are also included in the circuit the primary zonepressure-controlled, variable-fill switch 44, the secondary zonepressure-controlled fill switch 45, and a speed selector switch 58 forthe twospeed, reversible motor 16. The motor 16 is conventional,comprising a low-speed run winding a a high-speed run winding b a startwinding 0 a thermal overload protector e and centrifugal switch means dconnected as shown in FIG. 2.

Further included in the circuit for the primary and secondary fillvalves 31 and 32, respectively, are the hot and cold water solenoids 33,34 and 35, 36, respectively. A normally closed lid or door switch 65 isprovided as a safety measure, and is operable to deenergize motor 16, iffor any reason, the door (not shown) is opened while the machine isoperating in any of the Spin phases ofa wash cycle.

As is seen in FIG. 5 only, control panel 66 includes means forselectively operating certain of the above-mentioned switches andcontrols, in achievement of predeten-nined cycles either in single ordual-zone washing. The control panelincludes timer 51, zone selectorswitch 53, motor speed selector switch 58, variable water level switch44 for the primary zone (tub l2), wash and rinse water temperatureselector switch 54 for the primary wash zone (tub l2), and wash andrinse water temperature selector switch 55 for the secondary wash zone(tub l4). Conveniently, each of the above-mentioned elements isrepresented in FIG. 5 by its rotary selector knob wherever selectivelyis provided, each knob being rotatable between the positions indicated.While only a single selector knob is shown for zone selector switch 53,it will be understood that known internal linkage means is provided toattain the several combinations of contacts A, B, C, D and E for switch53 to achieve usage of the indicated wash zones, in accordance with theshowing in FIG. 4B. The switching functions of switches 54, 55 and 58are similarly tabulated in FIGS. 4A and 4C, respectively. Switches 54and 55 are tabulated as one switch, since their contact combination, forachieving the desired combinations of wash and rinse water temperatures,are identical. In FIGS. 4C and 5 the words Hi and "Lo" respectivelyindicate a high motor speed and a low motor speed for achievingcorresponding high and low agitator and spin speeds.

A Soak-Rinse" selector switch 56, including contacts W and R, isprovided in the circuit illustrated in FIG. 2, and may be of thepushbutton type including pushbuttons a, b, and c, as illustrated inFIG. 5. Switching functions for contacts W and R of switch 56, and itsbuttons a, b, and c, are tabulated in FIG. 4D.

Referring in more detail to the timer 51 illustrated diagrammatically inFIG. 2, each of the movable contacts of the various timer switches isshown as an open rectangle disposed either adjacent or between numberedopen rectangles. The numbered open rectangles represent top (T) orbottom (B) fixed timer switch contacts and are number 1 to 9. Thesetimer actuated switches are conditioned to provide the sequence ofoperations shown in the left-hand column of FIG. 3 by movements ofsuitably shaped cams operable to urge the movable contacts intoengagement with their corresponding fixed contacts, in accordance withlocations of the vertically extending heavy black bars. The functionsassigned to each of the contacts from 1 to 9 (T or B), appear at the topof the sequence chart, with the sequential time units, or step numbersthrough which the timer cams move indicated by a vertical scale at theextreme right.

None of the timer cams has been illustrated, with the exception ofsubinterval cam 67 (FIG. 2) operable to open and close contact 98 duringa spray rinse, in accordance with the right-hand portion of the timerchart in FIG. 3. The righthand portion of the chart is divided intoincrements of one second, there being shown a full subinterval cam cycleof 45 second duration. When contact 98 is in its main camcontrolledclosed position (chart, FIG. 3), subinterval cam 67 will operate to openthe contact six times in achievement of the spray rinse.

Timer Sl includes a line switch 68 operable by axial movement of thetimer control knob (FIG. 5), in accordance with conventional practice,to energize and deenergize the control circuit by connecting it to asource of energy, such as voltage supply L-l, L2, having a thirdterminal G serving as an electrical ground.

Having considered the various operating elements of the laundryapparatus, and their constructional interrelation, it will further behelpful in understanding the invention to consider the interrelatedfunctions of the various elements that have been described in carryingout, in each of the Primary and Secondary zones, a selected washingcycle. For example, let it be assumed that an operator of the machineselects the WASH Cycle with High speed agitation and spin, using Warmwash water and a Warm" rinse water in the secondary zone, and using Hot"wash water and a Warm rinse water in the primary zone. With reference toFIG. 5, let it be assumed further that noncolorfast clothes have beenplaced in tub l4, colorfast clothes have been placed in tub l2, and thatthe controls have been set as follows:

Timer 51 -Start ofWash Cycle (see FIG. 3)

Zone Selector 53 Both zones (see FIG. 4B)

Motor Speed Switch 58 -I-li-Hi" (see FIG. 4C)

Primary Zone Water Level Switch 44 -2 zone."

Primary Zone Fluid Temperature Switch 54 Hot Warm" (see FIG. 4A)Secondary Zone Fluid Temperature Switch 55 Warm- Warm" (see FIG. 4A)

Wash, or Soak & Wash Switch 56 Button 56a (see FIG.

The broken line arrow FIG. 5 extending between zone selector S3 and thewater level switch 44 indicates that it is possible to provide a linkagebetween these switches that automatically will set the water levelswitch 44 to 2 zone" upon setting of switch 53 to Both.

Reference is made in the above tabulation to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D fordisclosure of the circuits in FIG. 2 which are completed by theindividual selector switch contacts in achievement of the selected Washcycle to be described by way of example.

Once the rotatable and pushbutton controls have been set as shown anddescribed, the timer knob is moved axially to close line switch 68 (FIG.2), thereby energizing, through close timer contacts 2T, 38, 4T, 6B, 78,ST, and 9T (FIG. 3), the several circuits associated with the abovetabulated switches and initiation of the Fill and Agitate" phase. Incombination with these switch settings, the pressure-actuated fillswitches are in their left-hand fill positions (solid line lefthandpositions 44a and 45a where they prevent connection of the motor 16 tosource of energy L L for rotation in its direction for driving agitatorl3 and vanes 18 supported thereon. It will be appreciated that closureof the primary zone pressure switch contact 44a and the temperatureswitch contact 548, provides for energization of the primary fill hotwater solenoid 33 by source of energy L,, L While tub 12 is beingfilled, water is metered from nozzle branch 37 into tub 11 for flowthrough drain and hose. 22 into water accumulator chamber 43 untilsufficient air pressure is developed in air trap portion 43a to operateswitch 44. Such air pressure will be representative of the tub havingbeen filled to a preselected level. As soon as tub 12 is filled to itspreselected level, pressure actuated switch 44 is moved from its contacta to its contact b, deenergizing hot water solenoid 33, and placing theclosed secondary zone temperature switch contacts 55A and 55B andpressure fill switch contact 45a in circuit with L,, L to energizesecondary fill valve solenoids and 36. When tub 14 is filled, and inparticular accordance with the invention, the water runs over into tub11, via perforations 23 and ring 24, thence into water accumulatorchamber 43 until sufficient additional air pressure is developed in airtrap portion 43a to operate pressure actuated switch to move it from itscontact a to its contact b. Once both tubs l2 and 14 have been filled,sequentially, to the desired level, the fill switches 44 and 45 willhave moved to their contact b positions completing the electricalconnection of motor 16 and timer motor 52 to the source of energy L-l,lr2. By energizing motor 16, agitator 13 and vanes 18 thereon are driventhrough the Fill and Agitate" phase of the cycle, during which phasetimer motor 52 will continue to drive.

There could be achieved an overflow rinse in tub 14 at some suitablephase of the cycle, in the course of which lighter-thanwater soil wouldbe purged from the surface of the wash solution. To do this, wash fluidwould be introduced into tub 14 from fill nozzle 42, then overflow intotub 11. The fluid would flow through drain sump 20 and be discharged bypump 21 through hose 22 in a subsequent spin phase.

When the Pause" phase of the cycle is reached, previously closedcontacts 38, 4T, 68, 7B and 8T are opened, contact 2T, remains closed,and contact ST is closed to bypass the fill or water level switches 44and 45 so that an ensuing spray rinse may be achieved.

One increment of timer operation later, contacts 3T, 6T, and 8B areclosed to achieve motor rotation in the direction for the Spin" phase,during which pump 21 is operable to withdraw the wash fluid centrifugedfrom tubs l2 and 14, and to discharge it through hose 22. Contact 98also is closed to provide for a Spray" rinse subphase during a portionof this particular Spin" phase. As was described previously, the Sprayrinse is achieved by energizing the cold water solenoids 34 and 36intermittently through pulsing of closed contact 98 by subinterval cam67. After three increments of timer operation, contact 98 is opened todiscontinue the Spray" subphase.

Upon completion of the Spin" phase, there is initiated another Pausephase at which time contacts 3T, 6T, and 8B are opened and contacts 2Tand ST remain closed. Also, the water level switches will have moved totheir left hand positions 440 and 45a due to water having been pumpedout of the tub 11 and accumulator 43. After the one increment of timeroperation comprising the Pause" phase, the next Fill and Agitate" phaseis initiated by closure of timer contacts 38, 4B, 6B, 7T, and 8T, andcontact 2T remains closed. With switch contacts 440 and 450 closedsolenoids 35 and 36, and 33 and 34 are energized to introduce warm rinsewater into tubs l2 and 14. After the tubs are filled, water level switchcontacts 44b and 45b are closed in the manner described previously,thereby energizing timer motor 52 and drive motor 16. For the firstincrement of timer operation, contact 18 is closed to energize solenoidfor the rinse conditioner dispenser (not shown). During this Fill andAgitate" phase, motor 16 is driven in a direction to drive agitator l3and secondary vanes 18 thereon.

Upon completion of the Fill and Agitate" phase, there is a pause for oneincrement of timer operation during which contacts 38, 4B, 6B, 7T, and8T are opened, contact 2T remains closed, and contact ST is closed.

Upon completion of the Pause phase, the Spin phase is initiated byclosure of contacts 3T, 6T, and 8B, and contacts 2T and ST remainclosed. During this Spin phase, which is the final phase of the cycle,the motor 16 runs in a direction to spin the tubs 12 and 14 and to drivepump 21 to withdraw fluid centrifuged from the tubs for dischargethrough hose 22, and again to close contacts 44and 45a.

The wash cycle is completed by movement of closed contacts 3T, 6T, and88, to their open positions where they, along with the other openedcontacts, stand ready for initiation of another wash cycle or for anExtra Rinse" cycle. For such latter cycle, the different electricalcircuits will be established through the same switch contactcombinations illustrated in tabular form in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C.Considered another way, the various selector switch contacts may firstbe established visually on the wiring diagram in FIG. 2, and thetimer-switch-established circuits traced for each phase of the cycle.The available combinations are numerous and the foregoing completedescription of one cycle is sufiicient for an understanding of theinvention.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that this invention provides awashing machine in which it is possible to wash clothes of differentcolors, or clothes requiring different water temperatures in independentzones while maintaining separation of both the wash water and the rinsewater. If desired the clothes may be washed simultaneously in bothzones, or individually in but one of the zones.

lclaim:

1. In a vertical axis washing machine, the combination comprising: arotatable spin tub; a removable tub supported within said spin tub;agitator means for said spin tub and said removable tub; a stationaryopen-top tub surrounding said spin tub and having a water accumulatingportion; first waterfill nozzle means for delivering water to saidremovable tub; means for directing overflow water from said removabletub to said stationary tub water accumulating portion; second waterfillnozzle means for delivering water to said spin tub, said second nozzlemeans including a water-metering orifice for delivering a portion of thewater fed thereto to said stationary tub water accumulating portion;first and second valve means for controlling water flow through saidfirst and second nozzles, respectively; pressure sensing means connectedto said stationary tub accumulating portion; and first and secondpressure switch means operable by said sensing means for operating saidfirst and second valve means respectively, said switch means beingcoupled for sequential operation by said sensing means first to fillsaid spin tub to a predetermined level and terminate flow thereto inresponse to pressure of water delivered from said metering orifice, andthen to fill said removable tub and tenninate flow thereto in responseto pressure of water delivered as overflow from said removable tub.

2. A washing machine according to claim 1, and characterized in thatsaid means for directing overflow water from said removable tub to saidwater accumulating tub portion comprises circumferentially extendingflange means at substantially the level of the open top of saidremovable tub and extending radially over the open top of said spin tuband below the open top of the surrounding stationary tub.

3. A washing machine according to claim 2, and further characterized bythe inclusion of perforation means in sidewalls of said removable tub ata level above the level of said flange means.

4. In a vertical axis washing machine, the combination comprising: astationary tub; first generally cylindrical opentop tub means disposedwithin said stationary tub and defining a first wash zone; secondgenerally cylindrical open-top tub means of lesser size than the firsttub means, nested within the latter with its open top above the level ofthe open top of the first tub means, said second tub means defining asecond wash zone and having perforations in sidewall portions thereofabove the level of the top opening of the first tub means; agitatormeans for said first and second tub means; means defining acircumferential flange on said first tub means below the level of saidperforations in said second tub means and extending from the region ofsaid perforation and over the top rim of said first tub means to directwater caused to flow from said second tub means through saidperforations to said stationary tub; valve means for introducing washliquid selectively into said first and second tub means, and, upon suchflow, into said stationary tub; and means for controlling said valvemeans, in response to predetermined different quantities of liquid insaid stationary tub.

5. In a vertical axis washing machine, the combination comprising: arotatable spin tub adapted to retain water and to receive clothes to bewashed; a removable tub supported within said spin tub, and adapted toretain water and to receive clothes to be washed; agitator means forsaid spin tub and said removable tub; a stationary tub surrounding saidspin tub and having a water-accumulating portion; a first electricallyoperated water-supplying valve; a conduit for delivering water from saidfirst valve to said removable tub; means defining a water flow pathbetween said removable tub, when it is filled, and said stationary tubwater-accumulating portion; a second electrically operatedwater-supplying valve; a water-flow-dividing conduit for deliveringwater from said second valve to said stationary tub and to said spintub, said conduit having a larger outlet to discharge a larger amount ofwater for delivery to said spin tub and having another outlet ofpredetermined smaller size as compared to the larger outlet to dischargea proportionatel lesser amount of water for delivery to said stationarytu accumulating portion; first and second pressure switch means; an airtrap communicating with said first and second pressure switch means;means for delivering water from said stationary tub accumulating portionto said air trap to vary the air pressure on said first and secondswitch means and thereby operate the same; and circuit meanselectrically connecting said first and second pressure switch means withsaid first and second valves, respectively, to actuate said valvessequentially in response to sequential operation of said switch means,whereby sequentially to fill said spin tub and said removable tub.

6. A washing machine according to claim 5, and characterized in thatsaid means defining a water flow path between said removable tub andsaid stationary tub comprises perforation means in sidewall portions ofthe removable tub above'the level of the top opening of the spin tub,and means defining a circumferential flange on said rotatable tub belowsaid perforation means and extending between the latter and beyond theperiphery of the spin tub.

7. ln a washing machine of the type including a stationary tub, arotatable tub within said stationary tub, a tub of lesser size supportedwithin said rotatable tub, and agitator means within said tubs, liquidhandling means for introducing wash liquids into said rotatable tub andsaid tub of lesser size comprising: a first liquid inlet for saidrotatable tub including liquid-metering orifice means for directing aportion of such liquid into said stationary tub; first valve means forcontrolling the supply of liquid to said first inlet; a second liquidinlet for said tub of lesser size; second valve means for controllingthe supply of liquid to said second inlet; overflow conduit means fordirecting overflow liquid from said tub of lesser size into saidstationary tub; a first liquid-pressure-actuated means in liquid flowcommunication with said stationary tub for controlling said first valvemeans to establish a predetermined level of liquid in said rotatable tubupon operation of said pressure-actuated means by liquid metered fromsaid orifice means into said stationary tub; and secondpressure-actuated means also in liquid flow communication with saidstationary tub for controlling said second valve means upon furtherintroduction of liquid into said stationary tub from said overflowconduit means, and being conditioned to initiate such flow in responseto the recited establishment of a predetermined liquid level in saidrotatable tub.

8. A washing machine according to claim 7, and further characterized inthat said overflow conduit means comprises: means defining a row ofperforations along the upper periphery of said tub of lesser size, at alevel above the open top of said rotatable tub; and a ring of generallyU-shaped cross section having its open side presented radiallyoutwardly, the lower one of the legs of the U-shaped ring beingperforate and providing for support thereof about the upper rim of saidrotatable tub and the upper one of the legs of the U-shaped ring beingat a level below the level of said row of perforations and extendingfrom the region of such perforations to a region beyond the upper rim ofsaid rotatable tub and positioned to direct liquid overflowing throughsaid perforations into said stationary tub.

9. A washing machine according to claim 7 and further characterized inthat said first and second liquid-pressureactuated means comprise,respectively, a first and second electrical switch, and said first andsecond valve means are actuated respectively by first and secondelectrical solenoid means under the control of said first and secondswitches, said first switch when moved to a position for deenergizingsaid first solenoid means being effective to supply energy to saidsecond switch for energization of said second solenoid means.

10. A washing machine according to claim 7, and further characterized bythe inclusion of control means for establishing selectively, the recitedmode of operation or for establishing liquid fill of either saidrotatable tub or of said tub of lesser size, in response to operation ofthe corresponding liquid-pressure-actuated means.

1. In a vertical axis washing machine, the combination comprising: arotatable spin tub; a removable tub supported within said spin tub;agitator means for said spin tub and said removable tub; a stationaryopen-top tub surrounding said spin tub and having a water accumulatingportion; first water-fill nozzle means for delivering water to saidremovable tub; means for directing overflow water from said removabletub to said stationary tub water accumulating portion; second water-fillnozzle means for delivering water to said spin tub, said second nozzlemeans including a water-metering orifice for delivering a portion of thewater fed thereto to said stationary tub water accumulating portion;first and second valve means for controlling water flow through saidfirst and second nozzles, respectively; pressure sensing means connectedto said stationary tub accumulating portion; and first and secondpressure switch means operable by said sensing means for operating saidfirst and second valve means respectively, said switch means beingcoupled for sequential operation by said sensing means first to fillsaid spin tub to a predetermined level and terminate Flow thereto inresponse to pressure of water delivered from said metering orifice, andthen to fill said removable tub and terminate flow thereto in responseto pressure of water delivered as overflow from said removable tub.
 2. Awashing machine according to claim 1, and characterized in that saidmeans for directing overflow water from said removable tub to said wateraccumulating tub portion comprises circumferentially extending flangemeans at substantially the level of the open top of said removable tuband extending radially over the open top of said spin tub and below theopen top of the surrounding stationary tub.
 3. A washing machineaccording to claim 2, and further characterized by the inclusion ofperforation means in sidewalls of said removable tub at a level abovethe level of said flange means.
 4. In a vertical axis washing machine,the combination comprising: a stationary tub; first generallycylindrical open-top tub means disposed within said stationary tub anddefining a first wash zone; second generally cylindrical open-top tubmeans of lesser size than the first tub means, nested within the latterwith its open top above the level of the open top of the first tubmeans, said second tub means defining a second wash zone and havingperforations in sidewall portions thereof above the level of the topopening of the first tub means; agitator means for said first and secondtub means; means defining a circumferential flange on said first tubmeans below the level of said perforations in said second tub means andextending from the region of said perforation and over the top rim ofsaid first tub means to direct water caused to flow from said second tubmeans through said perforations to said stationary tub; valve means forintroducing wash liquid selectively into said first and second tubmeans, and, upon such flow, into said stationary tub; and means forcontrolling said valve means, in response to predetermined differentquantities of liquid in said stationary tub.
 5. In a vertical axiswashing machine, the combination comprising: a rotatable spin tubadapted to retain water and to receive clothes to be washed; a removabletub supported within said spin tub, and adapted to retain water and toreceive clothes to be washed; agitator means for said spin tub and saidremovable tub; a stationary tub surrounding said spin tub and having awater-accumulating portion; a first electrically operatedwater-supplying valve; a conduit for delivering water from said firstvalve to said removable tub; means defining a water flow path betweensaid removable tub, when it is filled, and said stationary tubwater-accumulating portion; a second electrically operatedwater-supplying valve; a water-flow-dividing conduit for deliveringwater from said second valve to said stationary tub and to said spintub, said conduit having a larger outlet to discharge a larger amount ofwater for delivery to said spin tub and having another outlet ofpredetermined smaller size as compared to the larger outlet to dischargea proportionately lesser amount of water for delivery to said stationarytub accumulating portion; first and second pressure switch means; an airtrap communicating with said first and second pressure switch means;means for delivering water from said stationary tub accumulating portionto said air trap to vary the air pressure on said first and secondswitch means and thereby operate the same; and circuit meanselectrically connecting said first and second pressure switch means withsaid first and second valves, respectively, to actuate said valvessequentially in response to sequential operation of said switch means,whereby sequentially to fill said spin tub and said removable tub.
 6. Awashing machine according to claim 5, and characterized in that saidmeans defining a water flow path between said removable tub and saidstationary tub comprises perforation means in sidewall portions of theremovable tub above the level of the top opening of the spin tub, andmeans defining a circumferential flange on said rotatable tub below saidperforation means and extending between the latter and beyond theperiphery of the spin tub.
 7. In a washing machine of the type includinga stationary tub, a rotatable tub within said stationary tub, a tub oflesser size supported within said rotatable tub, and agitator meanswithin said tubs, liquid handling means for introducing wash liquidsinto said rotatable tub and said tub of lesser size comprising: a firstliquid inlet for said rotatable tub including liquid-metering orificemeans for directing a portion of such liquid into said stationary tub;first valve means for controlling the supply of liquid to said firstinlet; a second liquid inlet for said tub of lesser size; second valvemeans for controlling the supply of liquid to said second inlet;overflow conduit means for directing overflow liquid from said tub oflesser size into said stationary tub; a first liquid-pressure-actuatedmeans in liquid flow communication with said stationary tub forcontrolling said first valve means to establish a predetermined level ofliquid in said rotatable tub upon operation of said pressure-actuatedmeans by liquid metered from said orifice means into said stationarytub; and second pressure-actuated means also in liquid flowcommunication with said stationary tub for controlling said second valvemeans upon further introduction of liquid into said stationary tub fromsaid overflow conduit means, and being conditioned to initiate such flowin response to the recited establishment of a predetermined liquid levelin said rotatable tub.
 8. A washing machine according to claim 7, andfurther characterized in that said overflow conduit means comprises:means defining a row of perforations along the upper periphery of saidtub of lesser size, at a level above the open top of said rotatable tub;and a ring of generally U-shaped cross section having its open sidepresented radially outwardly, the lower one of the legs of the U-shapedring being perforate and providing for support thereof about the upperrim of said rotatable tub and the upper one of the legs of the U-shapedring being at a level below the level of said row of perforations andextending from the region of such perforations to a region beyond theupper rim of said rotatable tub and positioned to direct liquidoverflowing through said perforations into said stationary tub.
 9. Awashing machine according to claim 7 and further characterized in thatsaid first and second liquid-pressure-actuated means comprise,respectively, a first and second electrical switch, and said first andsecond valve means are actuated respectively by first and secondelectrical solenoid means under the control of said first and secondswitches, said first switch when moved to a position for deenergizingsaid first solenoid means being effective to supply energy to saidsecond switch for energization of said second solenoid means.
 10. Awashing machine according to claim 7, and further characterized by theinclusion of control means for establishing selectively, the recitedmode of operation or for establishing liquid fill of either saidrotatable tub or of said tub of lesser size, in response to operation ofthe corresponding liquid-pressure-actuated means.